Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and vocational behavior.

Abstract

The present investigation empirically explored the relationship between psychosocial development as described by Erik H. Erikson and vocationalchoice behavior and development. Stage resolution attitudes, derived from the first six stage crises outlined by Erikson, were explored as variables influencing problems in vocational choice and vocational maturity. Students classified in different vocational-choice adjustment groups and students scoring at different levels on the Career Maturity Inventory were compared for differences among Eriksonian stage resolution attitudes as measured by the Inventory of Psychosocial Development and the Dignan Ego Identity Scale. Findings indicated that students who had made adjusted vocational choices and developed mature career attitudes had also been more successful in positively resolving the first six psychosocial stage crises outlined by Erikson.